Use of solubilized, anionic polyurethanes in skin care compositions

ABSTRACT

This patent pertains to the use of anionic polyurethanes in a solubilized state which contribute to enhanced aesthetics to skin care compositions. The polyurethanes may be used alone or in combination with another polymer, particularly acrylate and methacrylate polymers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the use of solubilized, anionicpolyurethanes in skin care compositions.

[0002] Polyurethanes are known in the art as thickeners for compositionscontaining surface-active agents and for their use in hair fixativeapplications. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,626,840; 5,968,494; and 6,291,580 as wellas European Patent Application 99102797.0 (Publication No. EP 0 937 541)all disclose polyurethanes with carboxylate functionality for hairfixative applications.

[0003] Polyurethanes are also known for other applications, includingcosmetic compositions. However, such polyurethanes are typicallyformulated in the dispersed state. Polyurethane dispersions are easierto manufacture than solutions. However, dispersed polyurethanes mayresult in many undesirable properties when formulated in cosmeticformulations. Dispersed polyurethanes are not good film formers, andtheir use may result in greasy, harsh or uneven feel, long applicationtimes, shiny appearance, poor substantivity and/or grittiness.

[0004] Other polymers are commonly used in skin care formulas, such aspolyacrylates and polymers prepared from alkenes. From a formulator'sstandpoint, those polymers suffer from the need to heat at elevatedtemperatures, optionally in the presence of neutralizing agents, toassist in solubilization.

[0005] Surprisingly, it has now been discovered that the use of anionicpolyurethanes in a solubilized state contribute enhanced aesthetics toskin care compositions without the disadvantages of previously knowncompositions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This patent pertains to the use of anionic polyurethanes in asolubilized state which contribute to enhanced aesthetics to skin carecompositions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] This patent pertains to the use of anionic polyurethanes in asolubilized state contributing to enhanced aesthetics to skin carecompositions.

[0008] Any anionic polyurethanes may be used in the skin carecompositions of the present invention, including without limitation,those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,626,840; 5,968,494; and 6,291,580 aswell as European Patent Application 99102797.0 (Publication No. EP 0 937541), hereby incorporated by reference. Particularly suitable areanionic polyurethanes, more particularly polyurethanes which incorporate2,2-hydroxymethyl substituted carboxylic acid. In one embodiment, thepolyurethane is limited by the proviso that it not contain apolycondensate of lactic acid.

[0009] The polyurethane may be used alone, or in combination with otherpolymers including, without limitation, acrylate and methacrylatepolymers, as well as acrylamide/methacrylamide-based polymers, andpolymers derived from other monomers such as maleic anhydride, maleates,butadiene, styrene and its derivatives, vinyl esters, isobutylene,maleimide and substituted maleimides, vinyl amides such as vinylpyrrolidone and its derivatives, vinyl lactams such as polyvinylcaprolactam, itaconic acids and its esters, alkenes such as eicosene,zwitterionic monomers, cationic monomers such asacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloride and vinylimidazoliumchloride. Other combinations include polyesters, polyethers, polyamides,polyesteramides, polyoxazolines, polyols, polyalkylene glycols, otherurethane-containing polymers, hydrogels, silicones andsilicone-containing copolymers, natural and modified polymers such ascellulose, starches, xanthan, shellac, alginates, guars and othernatural and modified gums. A particularly suitable combination is thepolyurethane in combination with acrylate and methacrylate polymers,particularly with a poly(meth)acrylate. Such combination may be in anyform, including without limitation a simple mixture, a copolymer, or aninterpenetrating polymer network.

[0010] The polyurethane or polyurethane mixture is solubilized in asuitable solvent using techniques known in the art. Such solventsinclude without limitation alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, propanol,ethers, esters such as ethyl acetate and propyl acetate, diols such asethylene glycol, polyols such as glycerol and sorbitol, amides,carbamates, sugars, substituted ethers such as dipropylene glycoldibutyl ether, and non protic polar solvents such as N-methylpyrrolidone. An advantage of the present polyurethanes is that they donot require thermal energy or long stirring time for solubilization andthey may be sold in a dissolved form (solution).

[0011] The solubilized polyurethane or polyurethane mixture isadvantageous as it may be added directly to the skin care compositionwithout the need for neutralization or may be sold in a neutralizedform. In one embodiment of the present invention, the polyurethane isnot neutralized.

[0012] The solubilized polyurethane or polyurethane mixture may be usedin any skin care composition. Such skin care compositions are intendedto include without limitation sunscreen and suntan compositions,after-sun compositions, hand and body moisturizers, face creams andlotions, skin tightening and firming compositions, and cleansingcompositions, color cosmetics, and whitening compositions.

[0013] The solubilized polyurethane or polyurethane mixture is typicallypresent in an amount of at least about 0.1%, more particularly at leastabout 0.2, most particularly at least about 0.5 and no more than about15%, more particularly no more than about 10%, most particularly no morethan about 5%, by weight of the skin care composition.

[0014] Other additives commonly used in skin care compositions may bepresent in amounts known in the industry. Such additives include withoutlimitation oils, waxes, acidifying or alkalinizing agents,preservatives, active agents, thickeners, emulsifiers, UV agents,emollients, fragrances, antioxidants, odor absorbents, defoamers,lightening agents, pigments, vitamins, botanicals, proteins, enzymes andcoenzymes, and colors. In a particularly suitable embodiment, noplasticizer is used.

[0015] Yet other additives that can be present in the formulations whichcan provide therapeutic effects, such as in the treatment of dermatitishypetiformis, warts, urticaria, hives, scars, keloids, scleroderma,lupus erythematosus, hirsutism, acne, pimples, athlete's foot, herpes,and other conditions as described in Modern Pharmaceutics, 3^(rd)edition, ed. Gilbert Banker, Christopher Rhodes, Marcel Dekker, New York(1995). As used herein, therapeutic additives will be used to describesuch additives.

[0016] The resultant skin care compositions have enhanced aesthetics dueto the presence of the solubilized anionic polyurethane. Suchenhancement may include reduction in greasiness, reduction in gloss,lighter feel, improved smoothness and increased adsorption. Thepolyurethanes also impart film-forming benefits of importance inmoisturizing compositions and stabilizing benefits for colloidal oremulsified systems. Further, the solubilized polyurethane orpolyurethane mixture are soluble in aqueous-based formulations andremovable by using water or traditional cleansing systems such as soapsand body washes.

[0017] The enhanced skin care compositions are applied in the samemanner as those known in the art.

EXAMPLES

[0018] The following examples are presented to further illustrate andexplain the present invention and should not be taken as limiting in anyregard. All percents used are on a weight/weight basis.

Example 1

[0019] Hand and Body Moisturizing Lotions A. Polyurethane in the AqueousPhase Ingredients INCI Designation % w/w Supplier Phase A CarnationWhite Mineral Oil 10.00 Penreco Mineral Oil Estol 1517 Isopropyl 6.00Uniqema Palmitate Emersol 132 Stearic Acid T.P 2.00 Emery Cetyl AlcoholCetyl Alcohol 1.00 Ceralan Lanolin Alcohol 0.50 Amerchol Arlacel 165Glyceryl 3.50 Uniqema Stearate/PEG- 100 Stearate DC 345 Fluid 1.00 DowCorning Cyclomethicone DC 556 Fluid Phenyl 1.00 Dow Corning TrimethiconeVitamin E Tocopheryl 1.00 Roche Acetate-C Acetate PropylparabenPropylparaben 0.10 Phase B Deionized Water Water (Aqua) 65.74Triethanolamine Triethanolamine 0.65 Dow (99%) Carbopol Ultrez CarbopolUltrez 0.16 Noveon Methylparaben Methylparaben 0.15 Trisodium EDTATrisodium EDTA 0.05 AKZO Phase C Propylene Glycol Propylene Glycol 3.00Polyurethane/Poly- Polyurethane 7.28 National Starch acrylate¹ (and) andChemical polyacrylate Company copolymer [proposed] Phase D Germall IIDiazolidinyl Urea 0.15 Sutton Labs

[0020] Phase B was combined and heated to 80° C. Phase A was combinedand heated to 80° C. Phase A was then added to Phase B and mixed for 15minutes. The mixture was cooled to 40° C. Phase C was combined and addedto mixture A/B at 40° C., mixing thoroughly. Phase D was added tomixture A/B/C and mixed until uniform. The mixture was cooled to roomtemperature. B. Polyurethane in the oil phase Ingredients INCIDesignation % w/w Supplier Phase A Mineral Oil Mineral Oil 10.00 PenrecoEstol 1517 Isopropyl 6.00 Uniqema Palmitate Emersol 132 Stearic Acid T.P2.00 Emery Cetyl Alcohol Cetyl Alcohol 1.00 Ceralan Lanolin Alcohol 0.50Amerchol Polyurethane/poly- Polyurethane 7.28 National Starch acrylate¹(and) and Chemical polyacrylate Company copolymer [proposed] Phase BDeionized Water Water (Aqua) 69.05 Triethanolamine Triethanolamine 0.65Dow (99%) Carbopol Ultrez Carbopol Ultrez 0.16 Noveon Phase C PhenonipPhemoxyethanol, 0.80 Nipa Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben,Propylparaben

[0021] Phase B was combined and heated to 80° C. Phase A was combinedand heated to 80° C. Phase A was added to Phase B and mixed for 15minutes. Mixture A/B was cooled to 40° C. Phase C was added to mixtureA/B at 40° C., mixing until uniform. The mixture was cooled to roomtemperature.

Example 2

[0022] Skin Tightening Emulsion Ingredients INCI Designation % w/wSupplier Phase A Emulgade SE Glyceryl 7.00 Care Chem Stearate,Ethoxylated Cetearylachohol, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetyl palmate Lipoval COCastor Oil 6.00 Chas Chem Pristerene 4911 Stearic Acid 3.00 UniquemaPrisorine 2040 Glyceryl 2.00 Uniqema Monoisostearate Pricerene 9088Glycerin 2.00 Uniqema Fancol CB Cocoa Butter 1.00 Fanning Lipovol WGOWheat Germ Oil 1.00 Lipo Propylparaben Propylparaben 0.10 Phase BDeionized Water Water (Aqua) 70.6 Polyurethane/poly- Polyurethane 2.50National Starch acrylate¹ (and) and Chemical polyacrylate Companycopolymer [proposed] FLEXAN ® 130 Sodium 2.50 National Starch polymerPolystyrene and Chemical Sulfonate Company STRUCTURE ® Potato starch2.00 National Starch SOLANACE modified and Chemical polymeric Companythickener Methylparaben Methylparaben 0.15 Phase C Germall IIDiazolidinyl Urea 0.15

[0023] Phase B was combined and heated to 80° C. Phase A has combinedand heated to 80° C. Phase A was added to Phase B at 80° C. and mixedfor 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled to 40° C., and Phase C was added,mixing thoroughly. The mixture was cooled to room temperature.

Example 3

[0024] Moisturizing Face Cream A. Ingredients INCI Designation % w/wSupplier Phase A Emulgade SE Glyceryl 7.00 Care Chem Stearate,Ethoxylated Cetearylachohol, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetyl palmate Lipoval COCastor Oil 6.00 Chas Chem Pristerene 4911 Stearic Acid 3.00 UniquemaPrisorine 2040 Glyceryl 2.00 Uniqema Monoisostearate Pricerene 9088Glycerin 2.00 Uniqema Fancol CB Cocoa Butter 1.00 Fanning Lipovol WGOWheat Germ Oil 1.00 Lipo Propylparaben Propylparaben 0.10 Phase BDeionized Water Water (Aqua) 72.20 Polyurethane/poly- Polyurethane 5.00National Starch acrylate¹ (and) and Chemical polyacrylate Companycopolymer [proposed] Carbopol 940 Carbomer 0.20 Noveon TriethanolamineTriethanolamine 0.20 Dow (99%) Methylparaben Methylparaben 0.15 Phase CGermall II Diazolidinyl Urea 0.15

[0025] Phase B was combined and heated to 80° C. Phase A was combinedand heated to 80° C. Phase A was added to Phase B at 80° C. and mixedfor 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled to 40° C., and Phase C was added,mixing thoroughly. The mixture was cooled to room temperature.

[0026] B. Example 3A was repeated except that FLEXAN® 130 polymer waspartially substituted for the polyurethane/polyacrylate.

Example 4

[0027] Moisturizing Face Lotion A. Ingredient INCI Designation % w/wSupplier Phase A Arlacel 165 Glyceryl Stearate, 7.00 Uniqema PEG-100Stearate Finsolv TN C12-15 Alkyl 6.00 Finetex Benzoate Cetyl AlcoholCetyl Alcohol 5.00 Vitamin E Tocopheryl 1.00 Roche Vitamins Acetate-CAcetate dl-alpha 1.00 Roche Vitamins Tocopheryl Acetate DC 345 Fluid1.00 Dow Corning Cyclomethicone DC 556 Fluid Phenyl 1.00 Dow CorningTrimethicone Phase B Deionized Water Water (Aqua) 74.65 Carbopol 940Carbomer 0.20 Noveon Triethanolamine Triethanolamine 0.20 Dow (99%)Versene 100 Tetrasodium 0.15 Dow Chemical EDTA Phase CPolyurethane/poly- Polyurethane 2.00 National Starch acetate (and) andChemical polyacrylate Company copolymer [proposed] PhenonipPhenoxyethanol, 0.80 Nipa Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben,Propylparaben

[0028] Phase B was combined and heated to 80° C. Phase A was combinedand heated to 80° C. Phase A was added to Phase B at 80° C. and mixedfor 15 minutes. The mixture was cooled to 40° C., to which Phase C wasadded, and mixed until uniform. The mixture was cooled to roomtemperature.

Example 5

[0029] Sunscreen Emulsion A. Ingredient INCI Designation % w/w SupplierPhase A Finsolv TN C12-15 Alkyl 6.00 Finetex Benzoate Neo Heliopan OctylSalicylate 5.00 H & R OS Neo Heliopan Ethylhexyl 7.50 H & R AVMethoxycinna- mate Neo Heliopan Benzophenone-3 4.00 H & R BB(Oxybenzone) Parsol 1789 Butyl 1.60 Roche Methoxydiben- zoylmethane(Avobenzone) Tego Care 450 Polyglyceryl-3 3.00 Goldschmidt MethylglucoseDistearate Syncrowax ERL- C18-36 Acid 0.60 Croda C Glycol Ester DC 200Fluid, 10 Dimethicone 3.00 Dow Corning CST Vitamin E Tocopheryl 0.10Roche Acetate Acetate Phase B Deionized Water Water (Aqua) 20.00Carbopol EDT Acrylates/C10- 0.18 Noveon 2020 30 Alkyl AcrylateCrosspolymer Versene 100 Tetrasodium 0.15 Dow Chemical EDTA Phase C 1,4Butanediol Butylene Glycol 4.00 BASF TEA 99% Triethanolamine 0.18 UnionCarbide Deionized Water Water (Aqua) 41.11 Polyurethane/poly-Polyurethane 7.28 National Starch acrylate (and) (2.0% and Chemicalpolyacrylate dry basis) Company copolymer [proposed] Phase D TEA 99%Triethanolamine 0.08 Union Carbide Phase E Phenonip Phenoxyethanol, 0.80Nipa Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben

[0030] The first three ingredients of Phase A were combined and mixedwell. Neo Heliopan BB was added and mixed at room temperature for 10minutes. While mixing, the mixture was heated to 80° C. Parsol 1789 wasadded and mixed for 5 more minutes while keeping temperature at 80° C.Tego Care 450 was added and mixed 2-3 minutes. Syncrowax ERL-C was addedand mixed for another 2-3 minutes. The remaining ingredients of Phase Aare added and mixed, keeping the temperature of Phase A at 80° C. In aseparate vessel, Carbopol EDT2020 was sifted in room temperaturedeionized water and mixed while heating to 75°-80° C. Versene 100 wasadded when Carbopol EDT2020 was completely dispersed. Butylene Glycoland TEA were premixed and the polyurethane/polyacrylate was added. Thedeionized water of Phase C was heated to 85° C. then added to the othercomponents of phase C at 85° C. Phase C was mixed for 5 minutes whilekeeping temperature at 80-85 C.

[0031] Phase A was slowly added to Phase B. Phase D was then added tomixture A/B until a pH of 6.5-6.6 is reached and mixed well. High shearmixing was applied and Phase C was added to mixture A/B/D at atemperature of 80-85° C. Phase E was added at a temperature of no morethan 55° C. While cooling to 30° C., moderate mixing was applied. Themixture was then homogenized (˜9,000 rpm) at 30° C. for 3-5 minutes. Thewater loss was calculated and added back in to the mixture.

[0032] B. Example 5A was repeated except that the amount ofpolyurethane/polyacrylate used was 3.64% w/w (1.0% on a dry weightbasis) and water was added to make up the weight.

[0033] C. Example 5A was repeated except that 2.00% w/w DERMACRYL®polymer (commercially available from National Starch and ChemicalCompany) was added in Phase C and the polyurethane/polyacrylate was notused.

[0034] A subjective sensory panel (8 panelists) compared Samples 5A and5C with the following results shown in Table 1: TABLE 1 Sample Example5A Example 5C Smooth/soft 5/8 3/8 Greasy 1/8 7/8 Quick absorption 7/81/8 Tacky 0/8 8/8 Drag 2/8 6/8 Gloss 1/8 7/8 Light Feel 4/8 4/8 Afterfeel 5/8 3/8

[0035] Table 1 shows that the polyurethane/polyacrylate sample issignificantly less greasy, less tacky, less shiny and is more quicklyabsorbed than the comparative example.

[0036] D. Example 5A was repeated except that thepolyurethane/polyacrylate was omitted and in Phase C, 0.63% w/w TEA wasused. Sample 5A provided improved afterfeel after a gentle water rinse.

[0037] Samples D (control), A (2% polyurethane acrylate, dry basis), andC (2% Dermacryl, dry basis) were evaluated for in-vitro SPF efficiency.The control was found to confer a SPF of 36, as compared to 53 forsample A and 65 for sample C, demonstrating the film-forming behavior ofsolution polyurethanes.

Example 6

[0038] Sunscreen Emulsions A. Ingredient INCI Designation % w/w Phase AWater Water, deionized 75.70 Versene 100 Tetrasodium 0.20 EDTAPrincerine 9088 Glycerine 2.00 Carbomer Carbopol 940 0.20 Phase B HallBrite TQ Diethylhexyl 3.10 naphthalate Neo Heliopan AV Octyl 3.10Methoxycinnamate Neo Heliopan OS Octyl Salicylate 3.50 Parsol 1789 ButylMethoxydi- 2.00 benzoylmethane Dow 193 Dimethicone 1.00 Copolymer Dow200/100 cps Dimethicone 1.00 Brij 721 Steareth-21 0.80 Brij 72Steareth-2 1.00 Arlacel 165 Glyceryl 1.20 Stearate (and) PEG-100Stearate Phenonip Phenoxyethanol, 1.00 methylparaben, ethylparaben,propylparaben, butylparaben Phase C Water Water 0.00 TEA (99%)Triethanolamine 0.20 Phase D Polyurethane Polyurethane/poly- 4.00 (and)polyacrylate acrylate copolymer [proposed]

[0039] Water, Tetrasodium EDTA and Glycerin of Phase A were combined atroom temperature. Carbomer was slowly sprinkled onto the surface whilestirring. After incorporating all the Carbomer, Phase A was heated to80° C. Phase B was prepared separately, heated to 80° C. and stirreduntil uniform. Phase B was slowly added to Phase A with mixing. When themixture appeared uniform, Phase C was added with mixing. After achievinguniformity again, the heat was turned off and mixing was switched tosweep. Sweep mixing was continued throughout cool-down. Phase D wasadded with stirring at 45° C. Water was added to make up for loss duringheating and stirred to room temperature.

[0040] B. Example 6A was repeated except that water was substituted forthe polyurethane/polyacrylate.

[0041] Both samples produced a smooth, rich, white-colored emulsion. Thesamples were tested for SPF and water resistance using the followingmethodology.

[0042] Instrumentation:

[0043] A Labsphere UV1000S Ultraviolet Transmittance Analyzer was usedto determine the absorbence spectra of the samples.

[0044] Substrate:

[0045] Vitro-Skin®—the skin was hydrated prior to use. Pieces of theVitro-Skin® were cut to fit the slide mounts being used. A smallhydration chamber was used. Approximately 200 ml of hydrating solution(30% glycerin in distilled water) were added to the chamber. The chamberwas sealed and kept at a temperature of approximately 23° C. for sixteen(16) hours. This provided the recommended humidity atmosphere forhydration of the Vitro-Skin®. After Sixteen (16) hours, the skin wasready for use. Test materials were applied to the rough side of theVitro-Skin®.

[0046] Five samples of substrate were used for each sample. Onereference sample was also be prepared.

[0047] The substrate was placed on a balance and a 2 mg/cm² portion ofthe sample was applied using a syringe with a fine blunt needle. Thesubstrate was removed from the balance and transferred to a foam blockto simulate the flexibility of human dermis. The sample was distributedon the substrate by dotting the sunscreen on and noting the weight. Thesunscreen-coated substrate was removed from the balance and spreadevenly over the site using a fingercot for 20-30 strokes (approximately20 seconds).

[0048] After product application, the samples were allowed to dry for atleast 15 minutes to let the emulsion break down. A blank (no sunscreenapplied) substrate will serve as the reference untreated control.

[0049] Measurements:

[0050] Measurements were performed using the Labsphere UV-1000SUltraviolet Transmittance Analyzer. A baseline scan was performed usingthe reference sample. A second scan of the reference sample was run.

[0051] The results demonstrated a flat baseline at 100% ±0.5%.

[0052] Measurements for the sunscreen-substrate were then performed.Five measurements per sample were performed at various spots on thesample to ensure proper spreading of the test material.

[0053] Water-Resistant

[0054] METHODOLOGY: The Vitro-Skin® was immersed in a water bath forforty (40) minutes. After the dry time, the sunscreen-substratepreparation was insulted with a full spectrum UV dose corresponding to 1MED times ⅓ the test material SPF value. It was calculated as follows:${U\quad V\quad {Dose}} = {\frac{SPF}{3} \times 1\quad {J/{cm}^{2}}}$

[0055] Very Water-Resistant

[0056] METHODOLOGY: The Vitro-Skin® was immersed in a water bath foreighty (80) minutes. After the dry time, the sunscreen-substratepreparation was insulted with a full spectrum UV dose corresponding to 1MED times ⅓ the test material SPF value. It was calculated as follows:${U\quad V\quad {Dose}} = {\frac{SPF}{3} \times 1\quad {J/{cm}^{2}}}$

TABLE 2 Level- Mean WR* VWR* Polymer solids SPF SPF SPF Sample 6A 129.47 10.25 9.87 Sample 6B 0 26.07 1.78

[0057] As can be seen from Table 2, the use of thepolyurethane/polyacrylate added SPF protection as well as waterresistance.

Example 7

[0058] Water Resistant Sunscreen Ingredient Amount (% w/w) Phase ASDA-40 (Ethanol) 71.50 Polyurethane  8.00 (2.0% solids) Phase B C₁₂₋₁₅Alkyl Benzoate  7.50 Octyl Methoxycinnamate  5.00 Octyl Salicylate  5.00Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane  3.00

[0059] Phase B ingredients were combined and heated to 75° C. whilemixing. The mixture was cooled to room temperature and premixed Phase Awas added.

Example 8

[0060] Sunscreen with Emulsified Polyurethane Ingredient Amount (% w/w)Phase A Octyl Methoxycinnamate  7.50 Octyl Salicylate  5.00 IsopropylPalmitate  5.00 Polyurethane  8.00 (2.0% solids) Phase B D.I. Water73.50 Preservatives  1.00

[0061] Phase A ingredients were premixed. Phase B ingredients werepremixed and slowly added to Phase A while homogenizing. A white, thinemulsion formed.

Example 9

[0062] Moisturizing Lotion Ingredient Amount (% w/w) Phase A: C12-15AIkyl Benzoate 25.00 Polyurethane  6.70 (1.675% solids) Phase B D.I.Water 68.30 Preservatives  1.00

[0063] Phase A ingredients were mixed well. Phase B ingredients weremixed and slowly added to Phase A. The mixture was homogenized.

We claim:
 1. A skin care composition comprising a solubilized anionicpolyurethane.
 2. The composition of claim 1, comprising a combination ofa solubilized anionic polyurethane and a second solubilized polymer. 3.The composition of claim 2, wherein the second polymer is selected fromthe group consisting of acrylate and methacrylate polymers.
 4. Thecomposition of claim 3, wherein the second polymer ispoly(meth)acrylate.
 5. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein thepolyurethane is preneutralized.
 6. The composition of claim 1 or 2,wherein the skin care composition is selected from the group consistingof sunscreens, suntan compositions, after-sun compositions, handmoisturizers, body moisturizers, face creams, face lotions, skintightening compositions, skin firming compositions, skin cleansingcompositions, color cosmetics, and whitening compositions.
 7. Thecomposition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the amount of polyurethane orpolyurethane and second polymer is at least about 0.1 wt % by weight ofthe composition.
 8. The composition of claim 7, wherein the amount ofpolyurethane or polyurethane and second polymer is at least about 0.2 wt% by weight of the composition.
 9. The composition of claim 7, whereinthe amount of polyurethane or polyurethane and second polymer is atleast about 0.5 wt % by weight of the composition.
 10. The compositionof claim 1 or 2, wherein the amount of polyurethane or polyurethane andsecond polymer is no more than about 15 wt % by weight of thecomposition.
 11. The composition of claim 10, wherein the amount ofpolyurethane or polyurethane and second polymer is no more than about 10wt % by weight of the composition.
 12. The composition of claim 10,wherein the amount of polyurethane or polyurethane and second polymer isno more than about 5 wt % by weight of the composition.
 13. Thecomposition of claim 1 or 2, further comprising therapeutic additives.14. A skin care composition comprising a film former, wherein said filmformer is selected from the group consisting of a solubilized anionicpolyurethane and a mixture of a solubilized anionic polyurethane and asecond solubilized polymer.
 15. A skin care composition comprising acolloidal stabilizer, wherein said colloidal stabilizer is selected fromthe group consisting of a solubilized anionic polyurethane and a mixtureof a solubilized anionic polyurethane and a second solubilized polymer.16. A skin care composition comprising an emulsion stabilizer, whereinsaid emulsion stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of asolubilized anionic polyurethane and a mixture of a solubilized anionicpolyurethane and a second solubilized polymer.